ASTM D4581-86(2001)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Measurement of Morphologic Characteristics of Surface Water Bodies
Standard Guide for Measurement of Morphologic Characteristics of Surface Water Bodies
SCOPE
1.1 This guide describes the methods used for defining the morphologic characteristics of surface water bodies. This guide references manuals that provide various rationale and procedures necessary to conduct a morphologic survey.
1.2 The references were written for specific agency use and may not be applicable in all cases (1-6).
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units in parentheses are provided for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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An American National Standard
Designation:D 4581–86(Reapproved2001)
Standard Guide for
Measurement of Morphologic Characteristics of Surface
Water Bodies
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4581; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Guide
1.1 This guide describes the methods used for defining the 4.1 This standard provides guidance for conducting mea-
morphologiccharacteristicsofsurfacewaterbodies.Thisguide surements and assembly of data into a standard format that
references manuals that provide various rationale and proce- facilitates comparative analysis of water body morphology on
dures necessary to conduct a morphologic survey. a national basis.
1.2 The references were written for specific agency use and
2 5. Significance and Use
may not be applicable in all cases (1–6).
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 5.1 No other standards presently exist for the survey of
water body morphologic characteristics. The techniques de-
as the standard. The SI units in parentheses are provided for
information only. scribed in the references represent the present state-of-art and
contain sufficient information to inform geologists and engi-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the neers of the kinds of information to be gathered and the
techniques to be used.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 5.2 The major categories of methodologies described in the
references are: sounding, positioning, land surveys, sediment
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
properties, sediment sampling techniques, photogrammetric
2. Referenced Documents
methods, calculating volume and area, morphologic base data,
2.1 ASTM Standards: weighted sediment dry weight, reservoir operations, equip-
D 1129 Terminology Relating to Water ment, and reporting results.
5.3 The references are intended as operational manuals and
3. Terminology
do not describe experimental design.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide,
6. Procedure
refer to Terminology D1129.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 6.1 The references provide detailed information and proce-
3.2.1 large water bodies—water areas large enough to dures as follows:
require use of electronic horizontal positioning devices. 6.1.1 Field Investigations—Section 3, Chapter 7 of the SCS
3.2.2 morphologic surveys—surveys made to determine National Engineering Handbook describes field investigations
shape, depth, and volume of water bodies; also density, andsurveytechniques ((1)).Pages1to31specificallydescribe
distribution, and volume of sediment and characteristics of equipment, methods, notekeeping, computations, and reports
watersheds contributing to the water body. for small water bodies.
3.2.3 small water bodies—water areas that can be surveyed 6.1.2 Sedimentation Surveys—Specifications were prepared
using stretched cables or visual triangulation for horizontal by the Soil Conservation Service to allow contracting for
positioning. services to perform reservoir sedimentation surveys on small
water bodies (2). These specifications are intended to meet
SCS needs and should be used by others only as a guide in
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D-19 onWater and is
preparing their own material.
the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.07 on Sediments, Geomorphology,
6.1.3 Methods for Water-Data Acquisition—Descriptions of
and Open-Channel Flow.
Current edition approved April 25, 1986. Published November 1986.
various techniques for measuring sediment are contained in
Theboldfacenumbersinparenthesesrefertothelistofreferencesattheendof
Ref (3). The section on reservoir surveys provides guidance
this guide.
3 about the kinds of work to be done and features to be
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 4581–86 (2001)
considered. However, it is not intended as a detailed opera- and appendices. Detailed information is provided on equip-
tional manual. The scope of small and large reservoirs is ment, instruments, and special survey techniques.
covered.
7. Report
6.1.4 Monitoring Reservoir Sedimentation—Detailed de-
7.1 All morphologic surveys should report their results in a
scriptions of most aspects of performing reservoir sedimenta-
format sufficient to include the necessary elements to describe
tionsurveysthatareapplicabletosmallandlargereservoirsare
whereandwhenthesurveywasperformed,whatmethodswere
found in Ref (4). Main topics include base reservoir data,
used and how precisely they were applied, and what were the
selection of surveying method, and hydrographic surveys.
measured results.Appendix X1 contains a data summary form
6.1.5 Hydrographic Parameters in Large Sand-Bed
currently used by several U.S. government and state agencies.
Streams—Many techniques are described in varying detail
Appendix X2 is a list of additional factors to be considered
((5)). The techniques are suitable for reservoirs, lakes and
when reporting results.
streams. The main topics are hydrographic investigation pro-
grams, horizontal positioning equipment and techniques,
8. Precision
soundings, velocity measurements and suspended-sediment,
8.1 The precision is a function of the conditions encoun-
bedload and bed-material sampling.
teredandthemeasurementtechniquesusedforeachindividual
6.1.6 Hydrographic Manual—Detailed description of pro-
survey.
cedures applicable to large water bodies is provided (6). Many
9. Keywords
described techniques, such as echo sounding, are applicable to
small water bodies. The manual is divided into three major 9.1 bathymetric survey; reservoir sediment; reservoir sur-
elements: hydrographic field operations, final data processing, vey; sedimentation
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. SUBCOMMITTEE ON SEDIMENTATION (ICWR) INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPILING
THE RESERVOIR SEDIMENT DATA SUMMARY FORM
X1.1 Thefollowinginstructionswerepreparedbymembers dissemination of available data is preferable to postponement
of the Subcommittee as a guide for use in the completion of until all items can be completed. However, it is important that
Reservoir Sediment Data Summary forms. The purpose of the every item be filled out for which data are obtainable. The
summary form is to provide for the uniform compilation and
following instructions are based on the instructions issued by
dissemination of pertinent basic data obtained from reservoir
the Subcommittee on Sedimentation in 1961 but are revised to
sedimentationsurveys.Asummaryisdesiredforeachreservoir
apply to the new summary form.
on which one or more sedimentation surveys have been made.
X1.1.1 Figs. X1.1 and X1.2 provides a reservoir data
New summaries should be prepared when additional sedimen-
summary form. Figs. X1.3 and X1.4 is a reservoir data
tationsurveysaremadeandshouldcarryforwardtheresultsof
summary form in SI units. Figs. X1.5 and X1.6 is an example
previoussurveys,asindicatedintheinstructions.Atypedcopy
of a completed reservoir data summary form. A complete
of each new summary in condition suitable for offset printing
description of each item on the form is given in X1.3.
should be furnished for publication. After a summary is
prepared it will be reproduced by the Subcommittee in suffi-
X1.2 General Notes:
cientnumberstomeettheneedsofeachagencyrepresentedon
the Subcommittee. This will permit each agency to maintain a
X1.2.1 In all cases where data are estimated or assumed,
file of basic data prepared in a uniform manner suitable for
insert an asterisk, and show an asterisk with the word “as-
analysis and interpretation. The Subcommittee recognizes that
sumed” at the bottom of the front page of the form.
all items of data provided for on the summary will not be
X1.2.2 Where other information is presented that needs
readilyavailableforeveryreservoir.Theearlycompilationand
clarification, footnotes should be used and shown by numbers,
1 2
as , , etc. All footnotes are to be explained in the space
provided under Item 47.
Prepared by the following agencies represented on the Subcommittee on
X1.2.3 All data should be shown to at least three significant
Sedimentation Inter-Agency Committee on Water Resources: Department of Agri-
figures, if available, and if accuracy of the survey warrants.
culture: Agricultural Research Service, Forest Service, Soil Conservation Service;
However, it is common practice and permissible to show all
Department of Commerce: Bureau of Public Roads, Environmental Science
Services Administration; Department of Defense: Corps of Engineers, Naval
items of data to the nearest whole number, even though the
Oceanographic Office; Department of Health, Education and Welfare: Water
accuracyofthesurveymaynotgivesignificancetothelastone
Pollution Control Administration; Department of the Interior: Bureau of Mines,
or two whole numbers. For example, for Item 14: 167624,
Bureau of Reclamation, Geological Survey; Federal Power Commission; and
Tennessee Valley Authority. 16762, 1676, 168, 16.8, 1.68.
D 4581–86 (2001)
FIG. X1.1 Reservoir Sediment Data Summary Form, Inch-Pound Units
X1.2.4 Items 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 40, 41—Where the sedi- X1.3.1 Name of Reservoir:
mentation survey of a multiple-purpose reservoir has covered
Give the official or most commonly used name. If the dam
only the pool level of levels used for storage most of the year
has another name, give it in parentheses, for example, Lake
(as irrigation, power, inactive) and has not covered the flood-
Mead (Hoover Dam).
control pool above such levels, the data should be shown for
X1.3.2 Data Sheet No.—The data sheet number is com-
the pool levels surveyed. However, any data obtained concern-
posed of two parts. The first is the river basin map number as
ing sedimentation in the controllable flood-control pool (not
shown in the hydrologic atlas compiled under the auspices of
including surcharge storage) should be shown under the above
theSubcommitteeonHydrology(ICWR),andthesecondisthe
items with a footnote reference of explanation under Item 47.
sheet reference number periodically supplied by the Subcom-
X1.2.5 Use continuation sheets when all data cannot be
mittee on Sedimentation when data are compiled for publica-
placed on one sheet.
tion. If the map number for the river basin in which the
reservoir is located is available, it should be shown here. The
X1.3 Specific Items—Descriptionsofthenumbereditemsas
they appear in Fig. X1.1, Fig. X1.3, and Fig. X1.5 are given as data sheet reference number will be supplied later by the
follows: Subcommittee on Sedimentation.
D 4581–86 (2001)
FIG. X1.2 Continued
X1.3.3 Item 1—Thenameofthepersonortheorganization X1.3.7 Item 5—Give the name of the nearest post office. If
that owns or operates the structure. If a federal or state space permits, help pinpoint the location of the dam by adding
government, give both the department and agency having the distance in miles and the direction of the dam from the
supervision or control over the operation of the dam. (Abbre- nearest post office, such as Tulsa 2 SE.
viate as necessary.)
X1.3.8 Item 6—Give the county in which the dam is
X1.3.4 Item 2—If the reservoir is located on a small
located. If the dam is in two counties, list first the county that
stream, the name of which is not known, list the stream as a
is the location for dam operation headquarters, followed by a
tributaryofthenextlargeststream,forexample,“Trib.ofRock
hyphen and the name of the second county.
R.”
X1.3.9 Item 7—Give the latitude and longitude of the dam
X1.3.5 Item 3—If the dam lies in two states, both states
in degrees and minutes (seconds, if known).
should be listed. List first the state that is the location for dam
X1.3.10 Item 8—Theelevationofthetopofthedamthatis
operation headquarters.
equal to the highest spillway elevation (Item 9) plus freeboard.
X1.3.6 Item 4—Give the location of the dam by section,
township, and range. NOTE X1.1—Initems8,9and21,ifnoactualsealeveldatumelevation
D 4581–86 (2001)
FIG. X1.3 Reservoir Sediment Data Summary Form, SI Units
is available, an assumed elevation or local datum plane should be given
revisions of the initial storages if recent surveys yield more
for these items wherever possible so that the height of the dam and the
accurate data than the early surveys.
spillway above stream bed can be determined. (Observe X1.2.1 under
X1.3.13 Item 10a and b—These items designate the pur-
General Notes.)
pose of storage space allocation. Multiple-use storage space
X1.3.11 Item 9—This is the elevation of the highest spill-
(Item 10b) is purposely varied, seasonally or alternately, as
way. If the spillway is topped by movable gates, give the
required to serve two or more purposes. Use a footnote to
elevation of the top of the gates in closed position, with an
explain the specific uses in Item 47.
explanatory footnote in Item 47 “Remarks and References.”
X1.3.14 Item 10c—This item ordinarily refers to storage
(See X1.2.2 under General Notes.)
for hydroelectric or direct power development. However,
X1.3.12 Items 10 to 14—All data corresponding to storage
storage developed or allocated specifically for cooling pur-
allocations10atogrefertooriginalstoragesinthereservoir,if
poses in steam power plant operation should be listed under
these data are available, or otherwise, to the first accurate
capacities determined after the beginning of storage. Show this item with a footnote explanation in Item 47.
D 4581–86 (2001)
FIG. X1.4 Continued
X1.3.15 Item 10d—This item refers to water supply for ally is considered by the Department of Agriculture to be the
municipal, industrial, domestic or livestock use, and fire sediment pool elevation. It is the level below which sediment
protection. is generally continually submerged and above which the
X1.3.16 Item 10e—This item refers to storage space allo- sediment deposits tend to be more compacted due to periodic
cated specifically for water used to irrigate agricultural land. exposure to the air.
X1.3.17 Item 10f—This item refers to storage allocated for X1.3.19 Items 11a to
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